Abortion Referendum 1983

30 years ago tomorrow, on 7 September 1983, a referendum on abortion was held in Ireland. A new amendment to the Irish Constitution was proposed to clarify and uphold the existing legal ban on abortion. It was carried by 841,233 votes to 416,136.

Jim Fahy reports for 'Day by Day' from Tuam, Co. Galway on 5 September 1983, two days before the referendum is due to take place. He has attended a sermon at Tuam Cathedral, delivered by local curate Fr Joe Cooney, who explained the Catholic position on the right to life of mother and child. Afterwards, local people gave Fahy their reaction to the sermon and their thoughts on the referendum. Fahy spoke to between 60 and 70 people and estimates that 80% of them were for the amendment and 20% against.